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- Tasks: Lead financial operations for a local government pension fund and ensure compliance.
- Company: Join a supportive local government team in Reigate, Surrey.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model with competitive pay and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Immediate start available; dynamic role with significant responsibilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public sector finance while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with strong LGPS experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Senior Financial Accountant for a local government client in Reigate, Surrey. The Pension Fund is seeking an experienced Senior Financial Accountant to provide high-calibre financial leadership during a key period. You will take operational ownership of fund accounting, reporting, controls, budgeting, and senior stakeholder engagement, ensure business-as-usual continuity and support the year-end cycle. This is a hands-on, delivery-focused assignment ideal for a seasoned contractor with strong LGPS/public sector pensions finance experience. Immediately available or short notice - Hybrid (expected on-site presence as required).
Responsibilities
- Financial Controls & Governance: ensure robust reconciliations, controls, compliance and risk management.
- Budgeting & Forecasting: manage the Pension Team budget and Fund forecasts.
- Cashflow & Banking Operations: oversee all income, banking transactions, allocations and KPIs.
- Pension Fund Accounts & Annual Report: oversee preparation, accuracy and audit readiness.
- Reporting & Insight: draft and present high-quality financial reports for the Committee/Board and senior leadership.
- Team Leadership: oversee a small team, providing direction, prioritisation and support. Deputise for the Head of Pensions Resources when required.
Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience Requirements
- The assignment requires a contractor who can hit the ground running with minimal onboarding.
- Strong LGPS or public sector finance experience.
- High proficiency with financial systems, data analysis, modelling and reconciliation.
- Proven ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information.
- Track record of successfully leading finance teams or functions.
- Ability to stabilise, organise and improve BAU activities.
- Clear, confident communication with senior boards and committees.
- Strong stakeholder management across finance, investments, auditors and external partners.
- Highly organised, proactive, independent and delivery driven.
- Comfortable stepping into a senior role with autonomy.
- Skilled at stabilising workloads, improving clarity, and driving outcomes quickly.
- Confident in presenting financial insights to non-finance audiences.
Qualification Essential
- GCSES or equivalent to include Maths and English.
- Fully qualified accountant: ACA / ACCA / CIPFA.
- Advanced user Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, social media.
Essential Compliance Requirements
- 3 Years of References.
- A pre-engagement screening is mandatory for this role. Please be prepared for this additional step in the application process.
- Willing to engage in the mandatory pre-screening application process.
We are committed to equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.
Senior Financial Accountant - Pension Fund in Banstead employer: Diamond Blaque HR Solutions
Contact Detail:
Diamond Blaque HR Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Accountant - Pension Fund in Banstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those with experience in LGPS or public sector pensions. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial controls and governance knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and forecasts in the past. We want you to showcase your expertise and confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to tailor your approach! When applying through our website, highlight your experience with cashflow and banking operations. Make it clear how you can bring value to the Pension Fund right from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest and summarising how your skills align with their needs can leave a lasting impression. We believe in making connections that count!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Accountant - Pension Fund in Banstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Financial Accountant role. Highlight your experience with LGPS or public sector finance, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in financial controls and governance. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to budgeting, forecasting, and stakeholder engagement. We love seeing your personality come through, so let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves overseeing a small team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led finance teams or functions in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diamond Blaque HR Solutions
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Financial Accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial controls and governance. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles. This will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You’ll be overseeing a small team, so it’s crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully led finance teams, provided direction, and improved business-as-usual activities. This will help convey your ability to stabilise and organise workloads.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to present financial insights to non-finance audiences, so practice explaining complex financial information in simple terms. Think about how you can make your past experiences relatable and understandable for senior stakeholders during the interview.
✨Prepare for the Pre-Screening
Since there’s a mandatory pre-engagement screening, make sure you have your references ready and understand what this process entails. Being prepared will not only save time but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation.